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Culver City High School’s Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA) has a long tradition of showcasing the entire program in its annual Java production For many years, Java Drama was the highlight of the year, produced at the Ivy Substation in Culver City. For the past three years, AVPA has been fortunate to develop a partnership with the Center Theatre Group to allow our program’s biggest show of the year to move into the Kirk Douglas Theatre with a new name: Java Gala.

The Culver City school district’s Front and Center Theatre Collaborative has developed partnerships with professional arts organizations to offer a variety of programs throughout all schools in the district. The partnership between AVPA and Center Theatre Group has brought students to productions at the Kirk Douglas and Mark Taper Forum, as well as providing professional artists to work with students in workshops, classes, and a speaker series.

Funded by generous donations from Sony Pictures Entertainment, Playa Vista, the Collins Foundation, and the Culver City Education Foundation, Front and Center is educating a whole generation of Culver City students in the arts, theatre, and creativity.

Beginning with an open lobby reception at 6:30 p.m. on June 9, guests are invited to enjoy artwork by AVPA students, bid on silent auction items that will directly benefit the AVPA Foundation, and enjoy refreshments and live music. Among the items to be auctioned is a cane from the show “House,” along with wine, jewelry, art, food baskets and many gift certificates. The show begins at 8 p.m. in the Kirk Douglas Theatre (9820 Washington Blvd., in Culver City) and will feature a showcase of AVPA’s five departments, representing the diverse range of AVPA’s arts education program, which was founded in 1996.

The AVPA Foundation was founded by parents to support the programming of AVPA, especially in areas of teachers, materials, and productions. The Java Gala benefit will help the Foundation continue to support the Creative Directors of AVPA as they continue to plan, expand, and increase offerings to over 250 students each year.

Tickets are $40 for general admission in advance, $50 for general admission at the door, and $60 for premium reserved seats. They are available now (click here to buy tickets) or go directly to www.javagala.eventbrite.com. Tickets will also be available at the door. Tax-deductible donations are also accepted online or at the event, or by mail.